Organizational Setting

The FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) serves as the driving force behind FAO’s work in the region, supporting Member Countries in strengthening agriculture and food security systems through technical expertise, policy guidance, and institutional capacity development. Through regional assessments, sectoral analysis, and the delivery of up-to-date knowledge and data, RNE helps governments make informed, evidence-based decisions. In doing so, the office ensures that all initiatives are aligned with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By coordinating regional programmes, supporting country offices, and fostering strong partnerships, RNE addresses critical challenges related to food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. Within this framework, the Programme Specialist plays a central role in translating strategic priorities into effective action through the planning, implementation, and monitoring of regional programmes and projects.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the Programme Officer (TCP).

Technical Focus

The Programme Specialist supports the strategic design and implementation of regional programmes, coordinates multi-country projects, and strengthens partnerships with governments, donors, and regional organizations for resource mobilization. The role also ensures effective monitoring and evaluation of programme performance and impact.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of country, sub-regional and regional projects and related programmes.
• Ensure compliance with manuals and guidelines criteria, FAO rules, and organizational policies.
• Monitor the projects pipeline and ensure effective commitment of the resources in the RNE Region.
• Liaise and coordinate with country offices and concerned technical units to ensure smooth project delivery and effective follow-up.
• Provide support to the formulation, review, and finalization of project and programme documents, including work plans, budgets, agreements, ToRs for consultants/experts, and related correspondence.
• Support operational clearance and preparation of project documents and budgets.
• Participate in the monitoring and review of project and programme implementation to ensure alignment with work plans and take corrective actions as needed.
• Provide support to the overall field programme, including timely and complete data entry into FPMIS for operational and pipeline projects.
• Follow up and monitor requests and dashboards related to the Strategic Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit on iRNE.
• Contribute to resource mobilization and partnership development.
• Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, business administration, social sciences, international development, or related fields
• 3 years of relevant experience in project/programme management, portfolio coordination, or administration
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish Arabic, Chinese or Russian. (A second FAO language can be inserted if needed for the assignment)

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in
• Extent and relevance of experience in
• Familiarity with FPMIs, FAO procedures and project cycles

Selection Criteria

• Professionalism and teamwork, with willingness to work closely with national counterparts, focal points, consultants and country offices.
• Task-oriented and problem-solving outlook.